🏫 School Committee 3-27-25 AI Recap

Below is a summarized version of the School Committee meeting, organized by timestamps and speakers, focusing on key points raised during the discussion in Reading, Massachusetts. This summary condenses the discussion into major themes, speaker contributions, and decisions, avoiding excessive detail while retaining the essence of the conversation. Timestamps correspond to the video linked at the bottom.

Meeting Overview

Start Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Reading Memorial High School Library
Attendees: Carla Nazzaro, Sarah McLaughlin, Erin Gaffen, Charles Robinson, Shawn Brandt and Tom Wise (Chair)

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Opening & Public Comment

(0:00 – 4:25)

• Speaker: Tom (Chair)
  • Time: 0:00 – 0:56
  • Summary: Opens the meeting at 7:00 p.m., skips roll call, and outlines the agenda: public comment, focus on excellence, consent agenda, reports, new business (e.g., School Choice, Student Opportunity Act update, FY26 kindergarten enrollment), old business (policy reviews), and notifications.
• Speaker: Maria Morgan (Public)
  • Time: 2:09 – 3:30
  • Summary: Praises a recent SEPAC meeting for its transparency and effectiveness, thanking the board, Jen, Allison, and Phil Littlehale for their efforts in presenting the special education budget.
• Speaker: Chris Haley (Public)
  • Time: 3:48 – 4:19
  • Summary: Thanks Chuck Robinson for his 18 years of service on the school committee, noting his milestone and community appreciation.

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Focus on Excellence

Chuck Robinson’s Service (4:25 – 17:06)

• Speaker: Tom
  • Time: 4:25 – 5:10
  • Summary: Highlights Chuck Robinson’s 18 years on the school committee and 9 years on the finance committee, introducing a celebration of his service.
• Speaker: Chuck Robinson
  • Time: 5:28 – 6:08
  • Summary: Expresses gratitude, emphasizing his commitment to the community and kids, and his intent to remain involved.
• Speaker: Dr. Thomas Milaschewski (Superintendent of Schools)
  • Time: 6:39 – 8:26
  • Summary: Presents Chuck with a chair featuring the Reading emblem, thanking him for his dedication, impact, and leadership style.
• Speakers: Committee Members (Carla, unnamed member, others)
  • Time: 8:45 – 11:47
  • Summary: Carla and others praise Chuck’s mentorship, knowledge, and steady presence, noting his focus on students and staff.
• Speaker: Elaine Webb
  • Time: 12:01 – 14:04
  • Summary: Commends Chuck’s professionalism and community focus, highlighting his 27 years of service across committees.
• Speaker: Chuck’s Child
  • Time: 14:14 – 14:33
  • Summary: Thanks Chuck on behalf of the family for his sacrifices and support, including handing out diplomas.
• Speaker: Tom
  • Time: 14:45 – 16:54
  • Summary: Lauds Chuck’s 27 years of volunteer service, his ability to balance differing views, and his foundational role in the committee.
• Outcome: Chuck is celebrated with a chair, cake, and photo session (17:06).

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Consent Agenda

And Reports (33:46 – 42:35)

• Speaker: Tom
  • Time: 33:46 – 34:06
  • Summary: Moves to approve the consent agenda, seconded by Chuck, passed 6-0.
• Speaker: Sebastian (Student)
  • Time: 34:18 – 36:54
  • Summary: Reports on RMHS Jazz Ensemble’s state finals qualification, swim team’s academic achievements (7 seniors as All-Americans, 4.15 GPA), art awards, investment club outreach, and upcoming events (e.g., prom, internships).
• Speaker: Dr. Hardy
  • Time: 37:14 – 39:03
  • Summary: Shares an event where 8th graders zoomed with Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, emphasizing civic engagement and personal gifts.
• Speaker: Dr. Milaschewski
  • Time: 39:08 – 39:51
  • Summary: Congratulates the boys’ swim team and coaches for their academic and athletic success.
• Speaker: Carla
  • Time: 40:02 – 41:55
  • Summary: Announces a $1.5 million increase in MSBA reimbursement (now $44,182,780, 52.9% of eligible costs) for school projects, with public forums planned for April 2 and 16.

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School Choice

Discussion (42:42 – 49:35)

• Speaker: Dr. Milaschewski
  • Time: 42:42 – 46:14
  • Summary: Advocates continuing the School Choice program (opted in for 3 years), citing $450,000+ in revenue (51 students enrolled) and staff retention benefits (e.g., assistant principal’s kids enrolled). Proposes opening 50 seats, expecting 15-20 new students.
• Speakers: Tom, Shawn, Carla
  • Time: 46:23 – 49:35
  • Summary: Committee supports continuation (no vote needed to opt in), clarifying no hearing required and revenue comes from the state, not districts.
• Outcome: Green light given to proceed with School Choice lottery.

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Student Opportunity Act

Update (49:35 – 1:01:44)

• Speaker: Dr. Hardy
  • Time: 49:41 – 1:01:21
  • Summary: Presents a 20-page progress report on the 3-year SOA plan, focusing on four evidence-based programs (mental health, curriculum, literacy). Highlights include strong Tier 1 instruction, student voice via focus groups (200+ high schoolers), ML learner supports (e.g., tutoring, LPAC), and a 10% reduction in chronic absenteeism (from 30%). Plans include a data warehouse and community events (e.g., code-switching screening).
• Speaker: Dr. Milaschewski
  • Time: 58:18 – 59:26
  • Summary: Emphasizes targeted strategies for ML achievement gaps (curriculum, family partnerships, tutoring, counseling).
• Outcome: Report due April 1 to DESE; no approval needed, but committee informed.

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FY26 Kindergarten

Enrollment Update (1:02:22 – 1:03:48)

• Speaker: Dr. Milaschewski
  • Time: 1:02:28 – 1:03:48
  • Summary: Reports 290 kindergarten registrations, under projections. Retains an extra 1.0 FTE teacher, with a focus on managing Barrows’ space constraints.
• Outcome: No adjustments made; updates to continue.

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Old Business

Policy FF – Naming of School Facilities (1:27:00 – 1:50:49)

• Speaker: Tom, Shawn, Dr. Milaschewski, Others
  • Time: 1:27:00 – 1:50:42
  • Summary: Debates “political pressure” clause. Shawn questions subjectivity and chair’s role; Tom and Dr. Milaschewski argue it’s a committee decision based on merits, not pressure. Preference for youth-focused service clarified. Minor grammar fixes made.
• Outcome: Policy FF approved as amended, 6-0.

Policy GBGB – Staff Wellness (1:51:09 – 1:53:02)

• Speaker: Tom, Dr. Coram
  • Time: 1:51:09 – 1:52:55
  • Summary: Confirms EAP confidentiality covered elsewhere; changes “committee” to “Reading School Committee.”
• Outcome: Approved as amended, 6-0.

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New Business

Policy GEBC – Gifts to Staff (1:53:19 – 2:02:27)

• Speaker: Michelle, Shawn, Tom
  • Time: 1:53:47 – 2:02:14
  • Summary: Clarifies $50 limit per individual/business entity, aggregated yearly. Class gift cap at $150 (state law) discussed.
• Outcome: Approved as amended, 6-0.

Policy GBI – Staff Political Activities (2:02:39 – 2:09:48)

• Speaker: Michelle, Shawn, Tom
  • Time: 2:02:52 – 2:09:34
  • Summary: Expands restrictions to ballot initiatives, adds student protection clause for advocacy.
• Outcome: Approved as amended, 6-0.

Policy GBGE – Domestic Violence Leave (First Reading) (2:10:02 – 2:17:46)

• Speaker: Michelle, Tom, Shawn
  • Time: 2:10:23 – 2:17:33
  • Summary: New policy restructured for clarity, with paid/unpaid leave clarified. Questions on “calendar days” and confidentiality subjectivity raised for next reading.
• Outcome: First reading approved, 6-0.

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Future Agenda

Items and Adjournment (2:18:18 – 2:23:49)

• Speaker: Tom
  • Time: 2:18:18 – 2:23:27
  • Summary: Lists upcoming policies (GBJ, GCA, GCBA, GCB, GBBD, GCBC) and scheduling challenges (April 10, May, June meetings).
• Outcome: Meeting adjourned 6-0, marking Chuck’s final meeting.

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Key Outcomes

1. Chuck Robinson Honored: Recognized for 18 years of service with a chair, cake, and photo.
2. School Choice Continued: Approved to proceed with 50 seats, expecting 15-20 new students.
3. SOA Progress Reported: Detailed update submitted, focusing on ML supports and data tools.
4. Kindergarten Enrollment: 290 registered; extra teacher retained.
5. Policies Approved: FF, GBGB, GBEBC, GBI amended and passed 6-0; GBGE first reading passed 6-0.